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The Dinosaur Park tourist attraction in Austin, TX
Photo: Gwena Margolis-Realtor
View of The Dinosaur Park in Austin, TX
Photo: Ryan Pond
View of The Dinosaur Park in Austin, TX
Photo: ROBERT DEAN

The Dinosaur Park

4.6(1,727 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-3 hours👶 The walking trail and hands-on fossil dig are perfect for curious young learners in the peak dinosaur-obsessed years. Toddlers can enjoy it but may tire on the full trail.

About

The Dinosaur Park offers a prehistoric adventure along a mile-long trail featuring over 20 life-size dinosaur statues that tower over young explorers. Kids can dig for fossils in the dedicated excavation area, getting hands-on paleontology experience that makes them feel like real dinosaur hunters. Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country near Bastrop, it's an outdoor educational experience that combines art, science, and imaginative play.

Highlights

  • Life-size T-Rex and other massive dinosaur sculptures that kids can walk under and around
  • Hands-on fossil dig where children can search for and keep small fossil specimens
  • Educational signage throughout that teaches about different dinosaur species and prehistoric eras

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Bring a wagon for younger kids as the mile-long trail can be tiring for little legs, and the terrain is slightly uneven in spots
  2. 2.Pack water and snacks - there's limited shade along parts of the trail and no food service on-site
  3. 3.Visit the fossil dig area at the end of your visit so kids can take their time searching without rushing through the trail

Best Time to Visit

Fall through spring (October-April) for comfortable temperatures; weekday mornings for a quieter experience

What to Know

No food service available; pack a picnic or plan to eat in nearby Cedar Creek or Bastrop (15-20 minutes away) Free gravel parking lot on-site with ample space Basic portable restrooms available on-site Strollers can navigate most of the trail, but a sturdy all-terrain stroller works best on the natural paths Limited accessibility due to natural terrain and unpaved paths; may be challenging for wheelchairs

Seasonal Notes

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays year-round. Summer visits can be very hot with limited shade - go early morning or wait until cooler months. Check for weather closures during heavy rain as paths can become muddy.

Nearby Eats

Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park, or head to nearby Bastrop (20 minutes) for family-friendly options like Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard or Main Street BBQ.

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